Rustam Minnikhanov takes part in the opening ceremony of Winter Universiade in Krasnoyarsk

On March 2, at the Platinum Arena Krasnoyarsk in Krasnoyarsk, Tatarstan President Rustam Minnikhanov attended the opening ceremony of the 29th Winter Universiade.

After the ceremonial performance and parade of athletes, the Russian President Vladimir Putin addressed participants of the event. “Today, the international festival of university sport, a festival of youth and friendship, determined and honest competing has come to Krasnoyarsk, to the banks of our great Siberian river Yenisei,” he said.

The head of state noted that thousands of athletes from dozens of countries gathered at the competitions. “Athletes will show their skills, power, speed, stamina and, of course, their will to win, strong character and respect for their opponents. I am sure that each of you will remember these days for the rest of your lives, that they will give you only the most joyful, good impressions and will become a bright page in the history of international sport,” Putin emphasized.

The President reminded of major sports events held in Russia, including the Universiade 2013 in Kazan, the Olympic Games in Sochi and the FIFA World Cup.

“I congratulate everyone on the start of the competitions and wish you success, convincing, remarkable and spectacular victories. I declare the 29th Winter Universiade open," Putin added.

The 29th Winter Universiade will be held on March 2–12. For the first time in history, the games will be held in Russia. In total, 76 medal sets in 11 sports will be awarded. The preliminary competitions started on Friday with the first medals to be awarded on March 3.

Ski orienteering and bandy will be presented at the Universiade for the first time ever. Also, biathlon, alpine skiing, curling, cross country skiing, figure skating, freestyle, ice hockey, and short track speed skating competitions are on the programme.